NL West

Now Commenting On:

Cordero gives Astros late-inning versatility

Cordero gives Astros late-inning versatility

Email

Print

Francisco Cordero

By
/
|

PHOENIX -- The new-look Astros will have a familiar feel at the back of the bullpen.

Astros manager Brad Mills said veteran Brett Myers will remain the team's closer, Wilton Lopez will continue to pitch in the eighth inning and newly acquired reliever Francisco Cordero will pitch in the seventh, but could see some action in the eighth.

"We are in a situation where Lopez is coming off the DL and we don't know how many days in a row he will be able to go," Mills said. "Cordero could have parts of the seventh inning sometimes and parts of the eighth inning sometimes, depending on the availability of the other guys."

Cordero, along with outfielder Ben Francisco and four Minor League players, were acquired in a trade with the Blue Jays for J.A. Happ, Brandon Lyon and Minor League pitcher David Carpenter on Friday.

Dallas Keuchel will be called up from Triple-A to start in Happ's place on Saturday.

"We had to give up some quality, but we got also some quality back," Mills said. "Anytime you can get such players and get them into the Minor League system, it really helps out. We are very happy to get such an influx."

The plan for Francisco is to put him in right field against left-handed pitchers, Mills said. Both players were expected to available against the D-backs on Friday night.

"It's sad to see some of those guys go, but at the same time, it's the movement organization is making and trying to go young," Astros left fielder J.D. Martinez said. "Right now, we are struggling a little bit, but we just have to keep a positive outlook. I don't know any of the guys coming, but I'm sure they are good ballplayers and we'll look toward a good future."

Myers and Francisco were teammates in Philadelphia in 2009. He does not know Cordero.

"I've been around for 10 years and stuff like this happens every day," Myers said. "That's the way it goes."